Although not as popular as it use to be, there are still people competing in dog sledding

Frazee, MN (WDAY TV) - It's a fairly uncommon sight to see - sled dog races took off this morning in Frazee. The sport has fallen somewhat out of fashion, but those who continue to do it say Minnesota is one of the strongest states to race sled dogs outside of Alaska.

Frazee, MN (WDAY TV) - It's a fairly uncommon sight to see - sled dog races took off this morning in Frazee. The sport has fallen somewhat out of fashion, but those who continue to do it say Minnesota is one of the strongest states to race sled dogs outside of Alaska.

Frazee, MN (WDAY TV) - It's a fairly uncommon sight to see - sled dog races took off this morning in Frazee. The sport has fallen somewhat out of fashion, but those who continue to do it say Minnesota is one of the strongest states to race sled dogs outside of Alaska.

It was about 20 years ago that Linus Meyer decided to try his hand at dog sledding.

He says he was inspired by the 1994 film, Iron Will.

Linus Meyer/Meire Grove, MN: "I got six dogs and old wooden sled… and just started doing it for recreation."

A few years later, he started racing.

And today, his team of six has grown to 18 Alaskan huskies he has back home.

Meyer: "They are mixed breed, probably some pointer and hound in there."

Meyer is in Frazee taking part in one of just a few sled dog races in the state, today doing the mid-distance run, which is about 14 miles.

Fifteen teams took part in the day-long event.

It was big in the 70s, but fell out of fashion. But competitors here say there is a tight-knit community of mushers in Minnesota.

Neal Seeger/Frazee Sled Dog Club President: "It's died off a bit, but it's something where you need to want to be out in the cold and need to love dogs."

Meyer says making sure the dogs are taken care of is the only sometimes difficult part.

But whipping through the snow-covered hills is just plain fun.

Meyer: "I thought I should get into it before I'm too old. I'm sure glad I did."

Fun fact: sled dog racing was twice included as a demonstration at the Winter Olypics - once in 1932 and once in 1952 - but was never a regular event.